Switch device, data-processing apparatus and playback apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tape-shaped switch ( 500 ) is provided on a base part ( 410 ). Coil springs ( 460 ) support a ring-shaped rotational drive section ( 450 ) on the position opposed to the switch ( 500 ), biasing the same away from the base part ( 410 ), so that the rotational drive section ( 450 ) may move toward and from the base part ( 410 ). First buffers are provided in association with the switches ( 501 ) of the tape-shaped switch ( 500 ), respectively. A flange ( 313 ) extends outward from the disc-shaped table plate ( 311 ) of a jog table unit ( 310 ) and is mounted on the rotational drive section ( 450 ). When the user depresses the jog table unit ( 310 ), moving the same downward, at least one of the switches ( 501 ) is closed. The motion of the jog table unit ( 310 ) is reliably detected because it is detected at a position outside that part of the jog table unit ( 310 ), which is depressed so that good feeling of the operation can be obtained.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a switch device, a data-processingapparatus, and a playback apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, various types of configurations such as a button-typeswitch and a volume-type switch are known as switch devices to controlelectric signal. Switch devices of each type are selected to use forvarious electric apparatuses in accordance with what kind of an electricsignal controls it, how it is controlled by the signal and what outerappearance it has.

A DJ playing is known, in which a performer called “disc jockey (DJ)”operates a record player as a playback apparatus to play dance music orthe like. The DJ playing is a method of effectively playing back themusic data recorded on a record, such as dance music. More specifically,the disc jockey manually controls the rotation of the turntable of therecord player to play back the music data recorded on the record placedon the turntable, and stop the playing back of the music, repeatedlyplay back the same phrase, and rewind to the point for playing back.

In recent years, the playback apparatuses have been developed, each ofwhich can play back dance music or the like from recording media such asa CD (Compact Disc) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) on which themusic data is recorded in the form of digital data. The playbackapparatus has various switch devices so that the disc jockey may operatethe switch devices to control the rotation of a CD or a DVD, feeling asif manually controlling the rotation of the turntable of an analogrecord player.

Recently, the DJ playing has been much diversified. There is a demandfor a CD or DVD playback apparatus that the disc jockeys can operate,feeling more vividly as manually controls the rotation of the turntableof an analog record player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a switch device, adata-processing apparatus and a playback apparatus, each of which cangive the user good feeling of operating it.

A switch device according to the present invention comprises: a basepart; an operation unit which is to be depressed; a support sectionwhich is provided on the base part, supports a circumferential edge ofthe operation unit and biases the at least one part of the operationunit away from the base part, said one part of the operation unit lyingnear the circumferential edge and able to move toward and from the basepart when the operation unit is depressed and released; and amotion-detecting section which is provided on at least one of the basepart and support section, is positioned near the circumferential edge ofthe operation unit and which detects the circumferential edge of theoperation unit being moved toward the base part when the operation unitis depressed.

A data-processing apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises: a data-reading section which reads data from a recordingmedium; a data-processing section which processes the data read from therecording medium; a switch device, which has the motion-detectingsection; and a process control section which changes modes in which thedata-processing section processes the data, when the motion-detectingsection of the switch device detects that the operation unit is movingtoward the base part.

Another data-processing apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises: a data-reading section which reads data from a recordingmedium; a data-processing section which processes the data read from therecording medium; a switch device, which has a rotation-detectingsection; and a process control section which changes modes in which thedata-processing section processes the data, when the rotation-detectingsection of the switch device detects that the operation unit isrotating.

A playback apparatus according to the present invention comprises: adata-processing apparatus of the present invention; and a playbacksection, which reproduces data, processed by the data-processingapparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a playback apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a switch device according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to theembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device, cut away at arotation-detecting section according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the switch device,cut away at a rotary section according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a jog table unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the switch device according to the embodiment,with the rotary section removed, illustrating the relation between arotary section and the rotation-detecting section;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the switch device according to the embodiment,with the rotary section removed, illustrating the position of thecircuit board incorporated in the switch device;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the switch device according to the embodiment,with the rotary section and the rotational drive section removed;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of the switch device according tothe embodiment, with the rotor member removed, illustrating therotation-detecting section and some components arranged near therotation-detecting section;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a part of the switch device accordingto the embodiment, with the rotor member removed and with a part of thebase cut away;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a screw-holding ribincorporated in the switch device according to the embodiment and alsodepicting some components arranged near the screw-holding rib;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a guide-pin section usedin the switch device according to the embodiment and showing somecomponents arranged near the guide-pin section;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a first bufferincorporated in the switch device according to the first embodiment anddepicting some components arranged near the first buffer; and

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a second bufferincorporated in the switch device according to the first embodiment anddepicting some components arranged near the second buffer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to attached drawings.

[Arrangement of Playback Apparatus]

A playback apparatus according to an embodiment of the present inventionwill be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a plan view of theplayback apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, numeral 100 designates the playback apparatus, which is adata-reproducing apparatus. The playback apparatus 100 plays back thedata recorded on a recording medium (not shown). The apparatus 100processes the data in the same way as a performer called “disc jockey,”for example, operates a record player to play back the music datarecorded on a record with a record player. Examples of the recordingmedium are an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a memory card, an IC(Integrated Circuit) card, or the like. The optical disk may be a CD-DA(Compact Disk-Digital Audio), a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory),a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD-R (DigitalVersatile Disc-Recordable), or a DVD-RW (Digital VersatileDisc-ReWritable). The magnetic disk may be an MO (Magneto-optical) disk,a hard disk, or the like.

The playback apparatus 100 has a main case 110 that is approximatelyrectangular-shaped and made of, for example, ABS(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin. The main case 110 contains adata-processor (not shown) that comprises a process control section, adata-processing section, and a data-reading section.

The main case 110 has a slot 120 in one side (i.e., the lower side inFIG. 1). The recording medium can be inserted through the slot 120 intothe data-processor contained in the main case 110. The main case 110 hasa window 130 in the top (the surface shown in FIG. 1). The window 130 isalmost circular. It is made in the substantially center part of the topof the main case 110, exposing a switch device 200 that constitutesalong with the data-processor, a data-processing apparatus according tothe present invention. A plurality of switches 140 are arranged on thetop of the main case 110. The switches 140 can be operated to inputoperating modes of the data-processor. Further, a display 150 isprovided on the top of the main case 110. The display 150 is configuredto display the operating modes set by operating the switches 140.

[Arrangement of Switch Device]

As FIGS. 1 to 4 show, the switch device 200 is designed and shaped like,for example, the turntable of a record player that plays back a record.The switch device 200 variably sets or changes operating modes of thedata-processing section by an input operation. More precisely, variousstates in which to process data, such as music data, are changed. Forexample, the direction and speed in and at which the music data shouldbe played back and the stopping and restarting of playback are variablyset. The switch device 200 comprises a rotary section 300, ashaft-supporting base 400 and a tape-shaped switch 500. The switch 500functions as a motion-detecting section.

As FIGS. 1 to 5 show, the rotary section 300 has a jog table unit 310and a joggling unit 350. The jog table unit 310 is an operation unit.The joggling unit 350 is a circumferential cover that serves as asupport section. The jog table unit 310 and joggling unit 350 are madeof ABS resin that has a relatively high mechanical strength andtherefore finds a wide use in household electric appliances.

The jog table unit 310 comprises a table plate 311, a body 312 and aflange 313, which are formed integral with one another in disc form. Thetable plate 311 is a top plate shaped like a disc. The body 312 iscoupled at its upper edge to the circumferential edge of the table plate311. The flange 313 outwardly protrudes from the lower edge of the body312, in the radial direction of the body 312. The table plate 311 has,in its center part, a circular display window 314. A stepped holdingring 315 is provided on the table plate 311 and is concentric thereto.The ring 315 surrounds the display window 314. A transparent protectiondisc (not shown) is secured to the table plate 311. To be more specific,the protection disc has its circumferential edge fitted in the steppedholding ring 315.

Two holding ribs 317 are provided on the table plate 311 of the jogtable unit 310. The ribs 317 are annular members, both concentric to thetable plate 311. One holding rib 317 surrounds the stepped holding ring315. The other holding rib 317 is mounted on the circumferential edge ofthe table plate 311. A ring-shaped friction disc 318 is mounted on thatpart of the table plate 311, which lies between the holding ribs 317.The friction disc 318 is, for example, a polycarbonate disc or a rubberdisc, which is likely to cause friction.

A pair of guide ribs 321 protrude downward from the lower surface of thetable plate 311, from which the body 312 projects. The guide ribs 321are substantially concentric to the display window 314 and constitute adouble-wall structure. The space between the guide ribs 321 serves as aguide groove 322. A first gear 323 is mounted on the outer guide rib321.

Engagement sections are provided on the outer circumference of the body312. The engagement sections are spaced apart at equal intervals alongthe circumference of the body 312. The engagement sections are, forexample, one first engagement rib 325A and three second engagement ribs325B. The first engagement rib 325A is different in shape from thesecond engagement ribs 325B. The width of the first engagement rib 325Ais narrower than the second engagement ribs 325B in the circumferentialdirection of the body 312. Nonetheless, the first engagement rib 325Aand the second engagement ribs 325B may be identical in shape.

A first annular member 327 is provided on the lower surface of theflange 313 of the jog table unit 310, which is opposed to the sidesurrounding the body 312. The first annular member 327 is concentric tothe table plate 311. Its cross section bulges downward, taken along thediameter of the rotary section 300.

The joggling unit 350 is shaped like a ring, having a hollow cylinder351, an operation surface 352 and an engagement flange 353. The hollowcylinder 351 has such an inner diameter as to allow passage of the body312 of the jog table unit 310 but not to allow passage of the flange 313thereof. The lower end of the hollow cylinder 351 has, for example, onefirst notch 353A and three second notches 353B. The notches 353A and353B are spaced apart at equal intervals along the circumference of thehollow cylinder 351. The notches 353A and 353B are provided forreceiving the first engagement rib 325A and three second engagement ribs325B that are provided on the outer circumference of the body 312. Thefirst engagement rib 325A and three second engagement ribs 325B of thejog table unit 310 can fit into, and come out of, these notches 353A and353B when the jog table unit 310 is moved in the axial direction of therotary section 300.

The operation surface 352 inclines downward from the upper edge of thehollow cylinder 351 and covers the hollow cylinder 351. Operationrecesses 357 are provided on the circumferential surface of theoperation surface 352 which are substantially spherical depressions andspaced at equal intervals. A plurality of projections, for example,three columnar projections 358, are provided on the circumferentialsurface of the operation surface 352, are located between the operationrecesses 357 and extend slantwise and almost straight. A hollow cylinderis formed at the lower end of the operation surface 352. This hollowcylinder is substantially coaxial with the above-mentioned hollowcylinder 351.

The engagement flange 353 extends outward and horizontally from thelower end of the operation surface 352. A second annular member 359 isprovided on the lower surface of the flange 353. Like the first annularmember 327 of the jog table unit 310, the second annular member 359 hasa cross section that bulges downward, taken along the diameter of therotary section 300.

As FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 9 show, the shaft-supporting base 400 hasa base part 410 and a rotational drive section 450. The rotational drivesection 450 serves as a support section. The base part 410 supports therotary section 300, allowing the same to rotate. The rotational drivesection 450 guides and supports the rotary section 300 supported by thebase part 410, enabling the section 300 to rotate smoothly.

The base part 410 is made of, for example, ABS resin that has acomparatively high mechanical strength and is therefore used inhousehold electric appliances. The base part 410 is shaped like a disc,comprising a top plate 411, a hollow cylinder 412 and a flange 413 thatare formed integral with one another. The top plate 411 is a disc. Thehollow cylinder 412 is secured, at the upper end thereof, to thecircumference of the top plate 411. The flange 413 extends from thelower end of the hollow cylinder 412, outwards in the radial directionof the hollow cylinder 412.

The top plate 411 of the base part 410 has a substantially square window421 in the virtually center part. The top plate 411 has arotation-detecting window 422, which is near the circumference of thetop plate 411. A spring stop-claw 423 protrudes downward from that partof the top plate 411, in the vicinity of the rotation-detecting window422. A pair of fastening ribs 424 are projected downward from the topplate 411. Each fastening rib 424 is shaped like a hollow cylinder andopens at its upper and lower ends. A pair of fastening pins 425 areprovided on the predetermined position near the fastening ribs 424,respectively. Each fastening pin 425 has a semispherical upper end.

A rotation-detecting section 470 is provided on the top plate 411,facing the rotation-detecting window 422. The rotation-detecting section470 has a base plate 471, a second gear 472, a rotation-detecting plate473 and a rotation-detecting sensor 474.

The base plate 471 is a rectangular plate. A coil-holding hollowcylinder 471A is provided at one end of the base plate 471. Thiscoil-holding hollow cylinder 471A protrudes downward from the base plate471. The coil-holding hollow cylinder 471A loosely holds ashaft-supporting rib 426A, allowing the rib 426A to rotate. Theshaft-supporting rib 426A is a hollow cylindrical member having theaxial direction in thickness direction of the base plate 471 andprotrudes downward from the top plate 411. The base plate 471 is coupledat said one end to the shaft-supporting rib 426A with a fastening member475 such as a screw. The base plate 471 so can swing at the other end.

A spring-holding claw 471B is provided near the coil-holding hollowcylinder 471A. The claw 471B protrudes from the base plate 471 in thesame direction the coil-holding hollow cylinder 471A projects. The baseplate 471 is fastened to the lower surface of the top plate 411 with thefastening member 475 that is inserted in the coil-holding hollowcylinder 471A. Thus the other end of the base plate 471 can rotatetoward and away from the circumference of the top plate 411. A torsioncoil spring 476, for example, is pivotally secured to the coil-holdinghollow cylinder 471A. The torsion coil spring 476 is fastened at one endto the spring stop-claw 423 of the top plate 411 and at the other end tothe spring-holding claw 471B of the base plate 471. The torsion coilspring 476 acts on the base plate 471, biasing the other end (or distalend) of the base plate 471 toward the center of the top plate 411 at alltimes.

A shaft 471C projects from the middle part of the base plate 471 in thelongitudinal direction, substantially in parallel to the coil-holdinghollow cylinder 471A. The second gear 472 is rotatably mounted on theshaft 471C. The second gear 472 protrudes from the upper surface of thetop plate 411 through the rotation-detecting window 422 of the top plate411. The second gear 472 is in mesh with the first gear 323 of the jogtable unit 310. A pair of positioning pins 472A protrude from one sideof the second gear 472, spaced apart from each other in the diameter ofthe second gear 472. A rotation-detecting plate 473 is secured to thesecond gear 472 with adhesive or the like.

The base plate 471 has a rotation-controlling hole 471D in the vicinityof the coil-holding hollow cylinder 471A. A rotation-controlling rib426B protrudes downward from the top plate 411 and extends through therotation-controlling hole 471D. In normal condition, the bias of thetorsion coil spring 476 holds the base plate 471 as such a position thatthe second gear 472 remains in mesh with the first gear 323 of the jogtable unit 310. When the jog table unit 310 is quickly rotated and thefirst gear 323 is thereby fast rotated, the rotation-controlling rib426B passing through the rotation-controlling hole 471D prevents thebase plate 471 from rotating against the bias of the torsion coil spring476, so that second gear 472 would not come out of the engagement withthe first gear 323. Hence, the rotation of the first gear 323 isreliably transmitted to the second gear 472.

The rotation-detecting plate 473 is a disc made of transparent syntheticresin. The plate 473 has a greater diameter than the gears. As seen fromFIGS. 10 and 11, a ring-shaped scale 473A is printed on the plate 473.The scale 473A consists of lines that extend in radial direction of therotation-detecting plate 473. The rotation-detecting plate 473 has apositioning hole (not shown), into which the positioning pins 472Aprotruding from the second gear 472 may be inserted. The plate 473 isintegrally secured to the second gear 472, with the scale 473A locatedoutside the circumference of the second gear 472.

The rotation-detecting sensor 474 is provided on the distal end of thebase plate 471. The rotation-detecting sensor 474 has, for example, aphotosensor 474A and a circuit board 474B. A circuit is mounted on thecircuit board 474B to receive a signal from the photosensor 474A andgenerate a specific signal from the signal received. The photosensor474A is secured to the circuit board 474B and comprises a light-emittingelement and a light-receiving element. The light-emitting element andthe light-receiving element are spaced apart, with the scale 473Ainterposed between them. The photosensor 474A has an optical axis thatextends in the direction of thickness of the rotation-detecting plate473, The circuit board 474B has a connector 474C to which a power-supplyline may be connected.

The rotation-detecting sensor 474 may be a magnetic sensor. In thiscase, the scale 473A consists of lines printed in magnetic ink on theplate 473.

As FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS. 7 to 9 show, a rotation guide 480 is providedon the top plate 411 of the base part 410, at one corner of the window421. The guide 480 facilitates smooth rotation of the jog table unit 310of the rotary section 300. The guide 480 has a plate 481 that is made ofmetal resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel. The plate 481 isL-shaped, consisting of two arms 481A that extends at approximatelyright angles from each other. The arms 481A have one hole (not shown)each. The arms 481A are fastened to the fastening ribs 424 projectingdownward from the top plate 411, respectively, with fixing members 481C,such as rivets or screws inserted in the holes. The arms 481A have arecess 481B each. The recesses 481B may receive the fastening pins 425protruding from the top plate 411. When the pins 425 fit into therecesses 481B, the rotation guide 480 is set at a prescribed position onthe top plate 411.

The plate 481 is not limited to a stainless steel plate. It may be madeof any other metal. Preferably, the plate 481 is a metal plate that isresistant to corrosion or treated to become resistant to corrosion.Further, the plate 481 is not limited to a metal plate; it can be madeof synthetic resin having sufficient mechanical strength, such asengineering plastics.

Moreover, two guide pins 482 protrude from the arms 481A of the plate481, respectively, each at the distal end of either arm 481A. Each guidepin 482 comprises a shaft 482A and a roller 482B. The shaft 482Aintegrally stands on the plate 481 and extends in the direction ofthickness of the plate 481. The approximately spherical roller 482B madeof brass etc. is rotatably mounted on the shaft 482A. The guide pins 482are secured to the top plate 411. The guide pins 482 are so positionedto be the same distance from the center of the table plate 311, forexample, to be positioned that the apex of an isosceles right trianglelies at the center of the top plate 411, the hypotenuse of the trianglebeing a line segment that connects the axes of the shafts 482A of theguide pins 482. The rotation guide 480 is set in the guide groove 322 ofthe jog table unit 310 to holds the jog table unit 310, allowing thesame to rotate around an axis that passes the center of the base part410.

The rotation guide 480 may not have the plate 481. If so, the guide pins482 are directly secured to the top plate 411. The number of guide pins482 is not limited to two. Three or more guide pins 482 may be used. Theguide pins 482 may be replaced by circumferentially projecting ribs onwhich rollers are mounted. The guide pins 482 may have any configurationso long as they can support the rotary section 300, allowing the same torotate.

A plurality of ribs 427 protrude downward from the top plate 411 of thebase pall 410. Screws 427A fasten a circuit board 428 to the ribs 427.Mounted on the circuit board 428 is a display 429 for displaying themodes in which the data-processing section is operating. The display 429has a display panel that opposes the window 421 made in the top plate411. A connector (not shown) is mounted on the circuit board 428. Theconnector connects a terminal 432 of a tape-shaped switch 430 (laterdescribed), one end of a line (not shown) connected to therotation-detecting section 470 and the lines connected to variouscircuit boards (not shown) incorporated in the main case 110.

As FIG. 4 and FIGS. 7 to 9 depict, the hollow cylinder 412 of the basepart 410 has a first escape groove 412A and a plurality of second escapegrooves, for example, three grooves 412B. The grooves 412A and 412Bextend parallel to the axis of the hollow cylinder 412, to the top plate411. The first escape groove 412A is broader than the second escapegrooves 412B. The cylinder 412 has a wiring window 412C.

The flange 413 of the base part 410 has a screw-holding rib 413A and aguide pin 413B. The screw-holding rib 413A and pin 413B protrude upwardfrom the bottom of the first escape recess 412A. The flange 413 hasanother guide pin 413B. This guide pin 413B protrudes upward from thebottom of one second escape recess 412B that is located diametrically tothe first escape groove 412A. The guide pins 413B thereforediametrically oppose to each other, with respect to the hollow cylinder412.

The flange 413 has another screw-holding rib 413A, which protrudesupward from the bottom of another second escape recess 412B. Thus, threescrew-holding ribs 413A are provided, spaced at equal intervals of 120°along the circumference of the hollow cylinder 412 of the base part 410.The ribs 413A have a height smaller than that of the guide pins 413B.

The flange 413 has still another rib, a wiring rib 413C that is a hollowcylinder surrounding the hollow cylinder 412. The annular space betweenthe hollow cylinder 412 and the wiring rib 413C serves as wiring groove413D. Wire-positioning ribs 413E are provided on the wiring rib 413C, inthe vicinity of the wiring window 412C of the hollow cylinder 412. Thewire-positioning ribs 413E extend across the wiring groove 413D.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, the tape-shaped switch 500 isarranged in the wiring groove 413D. As indicated above, the switch 500functions as a motion-detecting section. It comprises a plurality ofswitches, for example six switches 501. The switches 501 are, forexample, membrane switches and spaced apart at regular intervals. Theswitch 500 looks arcuate as viewed from above, having almost the sameshape as the wiring groove 413D. The switch 500 has a terminal 502 atone end. The terminal 502 is connected to the switches 501. One end ofthe switch 500 extends through the wiring window 412C into the hollowcylinder 412. The other end of the switch 500 is held at awire-positioning rib 413E. Pressure-sensitive switches or the like mayreplace the switches 501, which are contact switches. The switch 500need not be shaped like a tape. It may have any other shape, providedthat it can detect the depressing of the jog table unit 310.

First buffers 433 are attached to the tape-shaped switch 500, coveringthe switches 501, respectively. The first buffers 433 are approximatelycolumned-shape used as cushion members or support sections. They aremade of rubber foam or dense micro-cell urethane foam. Some other firstbuffers may be provided. A single buffer that is laid on the entiretape-shaped switch 500 may replace the first buffers 433. The materialof the first buffers 433 is not limited to resin foam such as rubberfoam. The first buffers 433 may be made of elastic material such asrubber. Alternatively, elastic members such as coil springs may replacethe first buffers 433.

As FIG. 4, FIGS. 7 to 10 and FIGS. 12 and 13 show, the flange 413 has aplurality of roller houses 413F, for example, eight roller houses. Theroller houses 413F are recesses made in that surface of the flange 413from which the hollow cylinder 412 projects and opening upwardly. Theyare spaced apart from one another, at regular intervals along thecircumference of the hollow cylinder 412. A roller escape 413G is madein the middle part of each roller house 413F. A pair of first bearings413H protrude from the bottom of each roller house 413F, opposing eachother and extending at substantially right angles to the axis of thehollow cylinder 412. Each first bearing 413H has a bearing recess 413H1that is made in its distal end. A first roller 440 is rotatably mountedon the bearings 413H in each roller house 413F.

Each first roller 440 comprises a shaft 441, a pair of pins 442, a wheelpart 443, and a roller part 444. The shaft 441 is as long as thedistance between the first bearings 413H. The shaft 441 is made of, forexample, polyoxymethylene (POM). The pins 442 project from the ends ofthe shaft 441, each being coaxial with the shaft 441. The pins 442 arerotatably fitted in the bearing recess 413H1. The wheel 443 is mountedon the shaft 441 and formed integral with the middle part of the shaft441. The roller part 444 is a hollow cylinder made of, for example,rubber and mounted on the wheel part 443. Each first roller 440 extendsin radial direction of the hollow cylinder 412 to be rotatably held inone roller escape 413G, with the outer circumferential surface of theroller part 444 not contacting the bottom of the roller house 413F andprotruding a bit upward from the upper surface of the flange 413.

As seen from FIG. 3, FIGS. 7 to 10 and FIG. 14, a plurality of ribs 413Iproject upward from the top of the flange 413, spaced apart from oneanother along the circumference of the flange 413. Each rib 413I islocated at a midpoint between two adjacent roller houses 413F. The ribs413I extend at substantially right angles to the axis of the hollowcylinder 412. Thus, they extend in radial direction of the hollowcylinder 412. Each rib 413I has its top at a level lower than the planedefined by the circumferences of the first rollers 440.

The second annular member 359 of the joggling unit 350 abuts on theroller parts 444 of the first rollers 440. The rollers 440 support thejoggling unit 350, allowing the unit 350 to rotate around the axis ofthe base part 410, together with the jog table unit 310. In normalcondition, the second annular member 359 of the joggling unit 350 doesnot abut on the ribs 413I, but abut on the ribs 413I only when a largeforce acts on respective components from above. Hence, the ribs 413Iprevent the components from being damaged.

As FIGS. 7 to 10 and FIG. 15 show, a plurality of guide claws, forexample three claws 413J, protrude upward from the flange 413. The guideclaws 413J are spaced at substantially regular intervals along thecircumference of the hollow cylinder 412. Each guide claw 413J has aclaw 413J1 that protrudes toward the outer circumferential surface ofthe hollow cylinder 412. The guide claws 413J hold the engagement flange353 of the joggling unit 350, thus preventing the joggling unit 350 fromslipping out of the base part 410. Note that the guide claws 413J can beelastically bend in the radial direction of the hollow cylinder 412.More precisely, they may bend away from the joggling unit 350, making itpossible to move the joggling unit 350 to and from the prescribedposition. When the engagement flange 353 moves to any position below theclaws 413J, the guide claws 413J resume their initial positions and holdthe joggling unit 350 in the prescribed position.

As seen from the FIGS. 7 to 10, the flange 413 of the base part 410 hasa plurality of screw holes 413K. The screw holes 413K are used to fastenthe base part 410 to the main case 110.

As FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and FIGS. 12 to 15 depict, the rotational drivesection 450 supports the jog table unit 310 of the rotary section 300,allowing the same to rotate. As the jog table unit 310 is depressed, therotational drive section 450 moves down to turn on the switches 501 ofthe tape-shaped switch 500. The rotational drive section 450 is shapedlike a ring and is made of, for example, POM. The rotational drivesection 450 has a ring-shaped actuating member 451. The actuating member451 can be mounted on the hollow cylinder 412 of the base part 410. Ithas a diameter comparable to that of the wiring groove 413D of the basepart 410. A plurality of pushing members 452 are arranged on the lowersurface of the base part 410, which opposes the wiring groove 413D. Themembers 452 are provided in greater numbers than the switches 501 of thetape-shaped switch 500. They are semispherical, each protruding downwardfrom the base part 410. Some of the pushing members 452 are aligned withthe switches 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500, respectively. Themembers 452 may be provided in exactly the same numbers as the switches501 and may not be placed in alignment with the switches 501.

A plurality of second buffers, for example three buffers 453, aresecured to the lower surface of the actuating member 451 with fasteningmembers 453A such as adhesive layers. The second buffers 453 areapproximately columned-shape used as support sections or biasingsections. They are made of rubber foam or dense micro-cell urethanefoam. The second buffers 453 are mounted on the three of the pushingmembers 452. These three pushing members 452 are aligned with the threeof the switches 501, which are spaced at equal intervals of 120° alongthe circumference of the tape-shaped switch 500. The second buffers 453may be provided in the same number as all switches 501 or all pushingmembers 452. If this is the case, the second buffers 453 are mounted onall pushing members 452. The second buffers 453 may be replaced by asingle buffer laid on the entire lower surface of the actuating member451. The material of the second buffers 453 is not limited to resin foamsuch as rubber foam or dense micro-cell urethane foam. The first buffers433 may be made of elastic material such as rubber. Alternatively, thefirst buffers 433 may be replaced by elastic members such as coilsprings.

Two hollow cylindrical flanges 454 and 455 protrude upwardly from theinner and outer circumferential edges of the actuating member 451. Aplurality of reinforcing ribs 456 are provided at the upper edge of theactuating member 451. These ribs 456 extend in radial direction of theactuating member 451 in the space between the inner flange 454 and theouter flange 455, thus bridging or connecting the flanges 454 and 455.

The rotational drive section 450 has a plurality of tongue-shapedsupport strips 457. The support strips 457 extend horizontally from theupper edge of the inner flange 454 toward the axis of the inner flange454. The support strips 457 are provided for the screw-holding ribs 413Aand the guide pins 413B of the base part 410, respectively. Each strip457 has a rib hole 457A and a guide-pin hole 457B respectivelypreventing the screw-holding rib 413A and the guide pin 413B. The holes457A and 457B have diameter larger than those of the screw-holding ribs413A and guide pins 413B.

The rotational drive section 450 is positioned to move up and down androtate. This is because the screw-holding ribs 413A and guide pins 413Bpass through the rib holes 457A and guide-pin holes 457B of the supportstrips 457. Screws 458 are driven into the screw-holding ribs 413A. Thescrews 458 cannot be inserted into the rib holes 457A. Hence, therotational drive section 450 can be positioned, having no risk ofslipping off from the screw-holding ribs 413A or the guide pins 413B,once the screws 458 are driven into the screw-holding ribs 413A.

As FIGS. 3 and 12 show, springs such as coil springs 460, which are usedas biasing sections, are mounted on the screw-holding ribs 413A,respectively. Each coil spring 460 is interposed between the flange 413and one support strip 457. The coil springs 460 bias the rotationaldrive section 450 upward, holding the rotational drive section 450 incontact with the screws 458 driven into the screw-holding ribs 413A.Nonetheless, the rotational drive section 450 that is arranged on thebase part 410 can be moved downward against the bias of the coil springs460. The rotational drive section 450 would not move downward in itsentirety. Rather, it only tilts downward when a force is applied to onlyone part to move this part down since the coil spring 460 is biasing.

Even if any part of the rotational drive section 450 moves downward tocontact one of the tape-shaped switch 500, the joggling unit 350 remainsin engagement with the jog table unit 310. In other words, the firstengagement rib 325A and second engagement ribs 325B of the jog tableunit 310 do not come out from the first notch 353A and second notches353B of the joggling unit 350.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, a plurality of secondbearings, for example, nine bearings 461, are provided at the upper edgeof the inner flange 454. Similarly, nine second bearings 461 areprovided at the upper edge of the outer flange 455. All bearings 461 arelocated at regular intervals along the circumference of the actuatingmember 451 and extend in the radial direction thereof. Each bearing 461provided at the inner flange 454 is aligned with, and makes a pair with,one bearing 461 provided at the outer flange 454. The second bearings461 are spaced apart at almost the same intervals as the first bearings413H are spaced apart.

Second rollers 440 of the same shape as the first rollers 440 arerotatably mounted on the second bearings 461. The second bearings 461are arranged between the reinforcing ribs 456. Therefore, thereinforcing ribs 456 would not interfere with the second rollers 440. Ofthe nine second rollers 440, the three rollers that spaced apart atregular intervals of 120° are aligned with sensors 431 (not shown) ofthe tape-shaped switch 430, arranged near the screw-holding ribs 413Aand aligned with the first buffers 433 not provided with the secondbuffers 453.

The first annular member 327 of the jog table unit 310 abuts on theouter circumferential surfaces of the roller parts 444 of the secondrollers 440 of the rotational drive section 450 attached to the basepart 410. Thus, the rollers 440 support the joggling unit 350, allowingthe unit 350 to rotate around the axis of the base part 410, togetherwith the jog table unit 310.

The rotary section 300 is rotatably supported on the base part 410. Notethat the rotary section 300 comprises the jog table unit 310 andjoggling unit 350 that are assembled together by engaging the firstengagement ribs 325A with the first notch 353A and second engagementribs 325B with the second notch 353B. It should be also noted that thebase part 410 constitutes the shaft-supporting base 400. The rotarysection 300, shaft-supporting base 400 and the tape-shaped switch 500constitute the switch device 200. The switch device 200 is held in placewithin the main case 110, connected to various circuit boards providedin the main case 110, secured to the case 110 with screws passingthrough the screw holes 431K. The switch device 200 comprises the rotarysection 300, the shaft-supporting base 400 and the tape-shaped switch500. The main case 110 conceals the hollow-cylindrical lower edge of theoperation surface 352 of the joggling unit 350 and all componentslocated below the engagement flange 353. The rotary section 300 isexposed through the window 130 made in the main case 110.

[Operation of Switch Device]

How the switch device described above operates will be explained. Notethat the playback apparatus 100 is designed to read data from opticaldisks and processes the data, thereby to play back the data. Morespecifically, the apparatus 100 reads music data from a recording mediumand processes the music data, thus playing back the music.

First, the power switch to the playback apparatus 100 is turned on andthe recording medium such as an optical disk is inserted into theapparatus 100 through the slot 120. When the medium is inserted into theapparatus 100, the automatic loading mechanism provided in the apparatus100 places the recording medium at a prescribed position in the maincase 110. The apparatus 100 reads the music data recorded in the medium.The data-processing section of the apparatus processes the music datainto data that can be output to a playback section such as a speaker.The output data is supplied to the playback section, which reproducesmusic. While the music is being reproduced, the display 150 or thedisplay 429 displays the modes.

The user may depress the jog table unit 310 of the rotary section 300that is incorporated in the switch device 200. Then, the force depressesthe jog table unit 310 makes the first engagement ribs 325A and secondengagement ribs 325B of the jog table unit 310 move down the first notch353A and second notches 353B that open to the joggling unit 350 mountedon the base part 410.

As the jog table unit 310 moves downward, the flange 313 of the jogtable unit 310 moves down the second rollers 440 that support the flange313 of the jog table unit 310 and allows the flange 313 to rotate. Therotational drive section 450, which supports the second rollers 440, ispushed down against the bias of the coil springs 460. The actuatingmember 451 of the rotational drive section 450 approaches thetape-shaped switch 500 that faces the lower surface of the actuatingmember 451.

One of the pushing members 452 provided on the lower surface of theactuating member 451 abuts on one first buffer 433 provided on thetape-shaped switch 500. This first buffer 433 is thereby elasticallydeformed. One of the second buffers 453 provided on the lower surface ofthe actuating member 451 abut on the tape-shaped switch 500, elasticallydeforming one second buffer 453. As the first buffer 433 restores itsshape, it closes one switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500, which isaligned with the first buffer 433.

When the switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500 is closed, thedata-processor determines the closing. Then, in the data-processor, theprocess control section controls the process that data-processingsection is performing on the music data read from the recording medium.More precisely, reproducing the music data is stopped. The coil spring460, first buffer 433 and second buffer 453, which have been elasticallydeformed at the time of depressing the jog table unit 310, apply areaction to the user as they restore their shapes. This reaction is setto be almost the same as the reaction that the user receives whenmanually controls the rotation of the turntable of a record player.

Thus, the data-processing section stops reproducing the music data whenthe user depresses the jog table unit 310. Instead, the data-readingsection may start reading a prescribed part of the music data from themedium and the data-processing section may start reproducing this partof the music data, when the user depresses the jog table unit 310.

The user may rotate the jog table unit 310 forward and backward by acertain angle while depressing the jog table unit 310. In this case, thejoggling unit 350 is rotated forward and backward, too. The jog tableunit 310 can be rotated since the guide pins 482 of the rotation guide480 provided on the base part 410 are fitted in the guide groove 322 ofthe jog table unit 310. The joggling unit 350 can be rotated, too. Thisis because the joggling unit 350 is mounted on and supported by thefirst rollers 440 provided on the base part 410, holds the jog tableunit 310 and can rotate around the axis of the jog table unit 310. Evenwhile the jog table unit 310 is being depressed, moving downward, thefirst engagement ribs 325A and second engagement ribs 325B remainengaged with the first notch 353A and second notches 353B of thejoggling unit 350. The joggling unit 350 therefore rotates whenever thejog table unit 310 is rotated.

When the jog table unit 310 is rotated, the second gear 472 of therotation-detecting section 470 rotates because it is in mesh with thefirst gear 323 of the jog table unit 310. As the second gear 472rotates, the rotation-detecting plate 473 formed integral with thesecond gear 472 rotates. The scale 473A printed on the plate 473 movesacross the optical axis of the photosensor 474A of therotation-detecting sensor 474.

When the scale 473A moves across the optical axis of the photosensor474A, it blocks the light beam emitted from the light-emitting elementof the photosensor 474A. The rotation-detecting sensor 474 generates asignal, which is supplied to the data-processor. From the signal thedata-processing section determines the direction and speed in and atwhich the jog table unit 310 is being rotated. In the data-processor,the process control section controls the data-processing section inaccordance with the direction and speed thus determined to process themusic data in forward direction or reverse direction. Thus, the musiccan be repeatedly played back in the forward and reverse directions asthe user repeatedly rotates the jog table unit 310 forward and backward.

When the user stops depressing the jog table unit 310, any coil spring460 that has been elastically deformed and the first buffer 433 andsecond buffer 453, both associated with this coil spring 460, restoretheir shapes, pushing the rotational drive section 450 upwardly. Therotational drive section 450 moves away from the tape-shaped switch 500.The switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500 is therefore opened. Thedata-processor determines the opening. In the data-processor, theprocess control section causes the data-processing section to processthe music data again. As a result, the music is played back again.

When the user rotates the joggling unit 350, the jog table unit 310 isrotated, too. This is because the jog table unit 310 is coupled with thejoggling unit 350 as indicated above. As both the jog table unit 310 andthe joggling unit 350 are rotated, the rotation-detecting sensor 474 ofthe rotation-detecting section 470 generates a signal. The signal issupplied to the data-processing section.

From the signal the data-processor determines that the switches 501 ofthe tape-shaped switch 500 are opened. It also determines the directionand speed in and at which the jog table unit 310 is rotated. Hence, theprocess control section of the data-processor causes the data-processingsection to play back the music at a speed higher or lower than thenormal playback speed, in accordance with the direction in which theuser is rotating the jog table unit 310.

[Advantages of Embodiment]

The switch device 200 described above comprises the base part 410, thejog table unit 310, the support sections, and the tape-shaped switch500. The flange 313 provided on the base part 410 and located near thecircumference of the jog table unit 310 is depressed. When the flange313 is depressed, at least one part of the flange 313 moves toward oraway from the base part 410. The support sections support the flange 313of the jog table unit 310 such that said part of the flange 313 isbiased away from the base part 410. The tape-shaped switch 500 isprovided on the base part 410 or the support sections, or both. Thetape-shaped switch 500 detects whether the flange 313 moves toward thebase part 410 as the user depresses the jog table unit 310.

The detecting structure that detects which part of the component hasbeen depressed is located outside. The detecting structure is thereforemore simple than otherwise. Since the detecting structure is locatedoutside, the member for detecting the depressing moves downward morethan at the position where the depression is performed to ensurereliable detection of the depressing. At the position that the detectingstructure assumes, the support sections control the motion of the jogtable unit 310 toward the base part 410, thus biasing the jog table unit310 away from the base part 410. Hence, the jog table unit 310 isdepressed while being biased at its circumferential part to give a realfeeling to the user. To be more specific, the user can feel asdepressing the turntable of a record player. Since the user can feel so,the user can operate the playback apparatus 100 provided with the switchdevice 200 to perform good DJ playing. In other words, the switch device200 enables the user to accomplish attractive DJ playing.

Moreover, the jog table unit 310 has a flange 313 that protrudes outwardfrom the table plate 311 via the body 312. Thus, the rotational drivesection 450 can support the flange 313 outside the region where the jogtable unit 310 is depressed, and the motion of the jog table unit 310toward the base part 410 can be detected outside the region where thejog table unit 310 is depressed.

In the jog table unit 310, the table plate 311 is shaped like a disc andthe flange 313 is concentric to the table plate 311 and has a largerdiameter than the table plate 311. Thus, the jog table unit 310 can besupported not only to be depressed but also to be rotated.

The rotational drive section 450 that is conformed in shape to theflange 313 of the jog table unit 310 can move the jog table unit 310toward the base part 410. In addition, the biasing section biases thejog table unit 310 away from the base part 410. The jog table unit 310can therefore be more smoothly moved or rotated in the directionintersecting with the direction it is depressed, than in the case whereit is supported directly on the base part 410. This renders the switchdevice 200 more versatile and useful than otherwise.

The biasing section that biases the rotational drive section 450 awayfrom the base part 410 comprises springs such as the coil springs 460.The structure is therefore simple. Further, the bias that makes the userfeel as depressing the turntable of a record player can be easilyadjusted, by selecting the material of the springs or changing thenumber of springs.

As indicated above, the three coil springs 460 arranged at regularintervals in the circumferential direction support the rotational drivesection 450. Thus, the jog table unit 310 of the rotary section 300 canbe easily supported and rotated. This enables the user to feel asmanipulating the turntable of a record player.

The springs constituting the biasing section is positioned at the flange313 of the jog table unit 310. So positioned, the springs bias thetape-shaped switch 500 that detects the depressing of the jog table unit310, outside the region where the jog table unit 310 is depressed.Hence, the springs help to make the user feel as depressing theturntable of a record player.

As described above, the first buffers 433 and second buffers 453 undergoelastic deformation when the user depresses the jog table unit 310 andmoves it down toward the base part 410. The buffers 433 and 453 exert areaction to the user's fingers as they restore their shapes. Thisreaction cooperates with the bias of the springs, e.g., coil springs460, to make the user feel as if he or she were depressing the turntableof a record player.

Springs, such as the three coil springs 460, are arranged at equalintervals of about 120°. Six first buffers 433 are arranged at regularintervals of 60° in the circumferential direction, aligned with theswitch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500. Further, the second buffers453 lie between the springs. Though the springs are provided in smallnumbers, the springs can give the user the same feeling as depressingany part of the jog table unit 310 that is larger than ordinaryswitches. In other words, a relatively small number of components canmake the user feel as depressing the turntable of a record player aswell as the depression can be detected.

Semi-spherical pushing members are provided on the lower surface of therotational drive section 450 that supports the jog table unit 310,allowing the same to move to and from the base part 410. The lowersurface of the rotational drive section 450 opposes the switches 501 ofthe tape-shaped switch 500. Therefore, the depressing of the jog tableunit 310 can be reliably detected, without increasing the dimension ofthe switch device 200 in the direction the jog table unit 310 isdepressed to close the switch 501 of the tape-shaped switch 500. Thus, asimple structure can detect that the switches 501 are closed when theuser depresses the jog table unit 310.

The rotational drive section 450 that supports the jog table unit 310has the second rollers 440 that extend in the radial direction of thejog table unit 310. The rollers 440 support the jog table unit 310 in aplane perpendicular to the direction in which the jog table unit 310 canbe depressed. The rotation-detecting section 470 can therefore detectthe rotation of the jog table unit 310, too. Namely, the switch device200 can control the processing of data in accordance with two motions,though it is simple in structure.

To detect the rotation of the jog table unit 310, the first gear 323 andthe second gear 472 are provided on the jog table unit 310 and therotation-detecting section 470, respectively. The second gear 472 is inmesh with the first gear 323 and can move in the axial direction. Thus,the rotation-detecting section 470 can move in the same direction as thejog table unit 310 is depressed and also in the same direction as thejog table unit 310 is rotated. That is, the section 470 can move up anddown and can rotate.

The first gear 323 is mounted on the guide rib 321. Being a double-wallstructure, the guide rib 321 defines a guide groove 322. The guidegroove 322 holds the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to rotate. Noother members are required to support the first gear 323. The guide rib321 serves not only to support the jog table unit 310 but also to detectthe rotation of the jog table unit 310. This helps to facilitate themanufacture of the switch device 200 and to render the switch device 200small and lightweight.

The first annular member 327 is provided on the lower surface of theflange 313 of the jog table unit 310, which is supported by therotational drive section 450. The first annular member 327 is mounted onthe second rollers 440. The annular member 327 has a cross section thatbulges downward to contacts each second roller 440, almost at a point,so that ensuring the smooth rotation of the jog table unit 310.

The joggling unit 350 is a hollow cylinder that is located, covering thecircumferential surface of the jog table unit 310. The joggling unit 350lies on the base part 410 and can rotate. The unit 350 allows the jogtable unit 310 to rotate only, not depressed at all. The unit 350conceals the components that support the jog table unit 310 and thecomponents that serve to detect the depressing of the jog table unit310. It can therefore improve the outer appearance of the switch device200. The joggling unit 350 achieves various advantages.

As described above, the joggling unit 350 has the first notch 353A andthe second notches 353B. The first notch 353A can receive firstengagement rib 325A of the jog table unit 310. The second notches 353Bcan receive the second engagement ribs 325B of the jog table unit 310.The rotation of the jog table unit 310 is transmitted to the jogglingunit 350. So is the rotation of the joggling unit 350 to the jog tableunit 310. Hence, the units 310 and 350 rotate together. Moreover, onlythe jog table unit 310 can move when the user depresses it. Further, thejog table unit 310 and the joggling unit 350 are combined, constitutingthe rotary section 300. This facilitates the manufacture of the switchdevice 200.

The first engagement rib 325A and second engagement ribs 325B areprovided on the outer circumference of the body 312. Since the ribs 325Aand 325B are shaped like notches and open downward, they provide astructure that allows only the jog table unit 310 to rotate when it isrotated. This also serves to simplify the switch device 200, facilitatethe manufacture of the device 200 and render the device 200 small andlightweight.

As indicated before, the first rollers 440 are provided on the base part410 to support the joggling unit 350, allowing the same to rotate. Thus,the rotary section 300 can rotate more smoothly than otherwise.

The second annular member 359 is provided on the lower surface of theflange 353 of the joggling unit 350, which is supported by the base part410. The second annular member 359 has a cross section that bulgesdownward, like the first annular member 327 of the jog table unit 310.Therefore, the joggling unit 350 contacts each first roller 440, almostat a point. This ensures smooth rotation of the joggling unit 350.

The rotation guide 480 has two guide pins 482 that protrude from thearms 481A of the plate 481. The guide pins 482 position the jog tableunit 310 and allow the same to rotate around an axis that passes thecenter of the base part 410. No complex structure for positioning thejog table unit 310 is required. This facilitates the manufacture of theswitch device 200.

Further, the guide pins 482 are so positioned that the apex of anisosceles right triangle lies at the center of the top plate 411, thehypotenuse of the triangle being a line segment that connects the axesof the shafts 482A of the guide pins 482. The display 429 can bearranged at the center of the switch device 200. The playback apparatus100 incorporating the switch device 200 can therefore determine thevarious modes in which the data-processing section is processing data.

The two guide pins 413B spaced apart in the radial direction of thehollow cylinder 412 hold the rotational drive section 450 at apredetermined position. The rotational drive section 450 can thereforebe moved up and down and its rotation can yet be more reliablycontrolled than in the case where it is positioned by the screw-holdingrib 413A only.

[Modification of Embodiment]

The present invention has been described according to the preferredembodiment. However the scope of the present invention is not restrictedto the above specific embodiment, but includes modifications andimprovements as long as an object of the present invention can beattained.

As specified above, the switch device 200 is described to operate as ifit were the turntable of a record player that plays back a recordeddisc. Namely, the device 200 has a jog table unit 310 that is shapedlike a turntable. Nevertheless, the jog table unit 310 need not be adisk-shaped one. Rather, it may be shaped like a prism. It may be onethat looks like a star as viewed from above. Alternatively, it mayappear like any character or any other figure, as viewed from above.

The playback apparatus 100 described above is configured to processmusic data. Instead, it may be designed to process not only music data,but also any other data such as image data and character data.

Furthermore, a specific program may be installed into a computer, whichcan then function as a data-processing section or a process controlsection. The switch device 200 may be connected to the computer to causethe computer to process the data the device has acquired, to provide agame apparatus, or to operate as a controller for a game apparatus.

As described above, the jog table unit 310 can be depressed and rotated.Instead, the jog table unit 310 may be designed to be depressed only. Ifthis is the case, the joggling unit 350 can be dispensed with.

Further, the rotational drive section 450 need not be used to supportthe jog table unit 310. If so, the base part 410 may support the jogtable unit 300 with assistance of a biasing section or the like.

The rotational drive section 450 may comprise a pair of support membersand a rotatable member interposed between the support members. Thesupport members opposing each other and can rotate relative to eachother. In other words, the members supporting the jog table unit 310 andallowing the same to rotate are not limited to the second rollers 440.Instead, only the guide pins 482 may support the jog table unit 310.

The rotation-detecting section 470 is not limited to one that has thephotosensor 474A. It may have a magnetic sensor, instead. It maycomprise rollers, instead of the first gear 323 and second gear 472. Thescale 473A, which consists of lines, may be printed on the jog tableunit 310, not on the plate 473. Needless to say, the rotation-detectingsection 470 can be dispensed with, if the jog table unit 310 is notconfigured to rotate.

The rotational drive section 450 may not have the second rollers 440 forsupporting the jog table unit 310. If this is the case, the jog tableunit 310 can only be depressed; it cannot be rotated at all.

The biasing structure is not limited to one that comprises springs suchas coil springs 460, the first buffers 433 and the second buffers 453.Rather, the biasing structure may comprise only coil springs, firstbuffers or second buffers, coil springs and first buffers, first buffersand second buffers, or second buffers and coil springs, to bias the jogtable unit 310 away from the base part 410.

The coil springs 460, the first buffers 433 and the second buffers 453may be arranged at any positions, provided that the user can have afeeling of operating the switch device 200.

As described above, the rotational drive section 450 has the pushingmembers 452 that bulge downward. The pushing members 452 may have adifferent shape or may not be provided at all.

The first annular member 327 and second annular member 359 may assumeany shape other than those specified above or may not be provided atall.

The jog table unit 310 is positioned by means of two guide pins 413B.The guide pins 413B may be provided in different numbers, may have anyshape other than specified above, or may not be provided at all. Morespecifically, only one guide pin may be used; the guide pins may beprisms, not round bars; the jog table unit 310 may be positioned withthe screw-holding rib 413A only; and the rotational drive section 450may not be positioned in its circumferential direction.

The component that detects the motion of the jog table unit 310 is notlimited to the tape-shaped switch 500. Any other membrane switch can beused to detect the motion of the jog table unit 310. Further, a contactswitch or a pressure-sensitive switch may replace the switch 500.Alternatively, a photosensor, a magnetic sensor or an acoustic sensor,which measures the distance between it and the jog table unit 310 todetermine the motion of the unit 310, may replace the switch 500. Beinga thin-sheet switch, the tape-shaped switch 500 helps to render theswitch device 200 small and lightweight.

As indicated above, the guide pins 482 stand on the base part 410 andthe jog table unit 310 has guide groove 322. Instead, the base part 410may have the guide groove 322 and the guide pins 482 may protrude fromthe jog table unit 310. Further, any other possible configuration may beemployed to support the jog table unit 310, allowing the same to rotate.

The structure of the embodiment and the operation sequence of theembodiment can be changed or modified, so long as the object of theinvention is attained.

1. A switch device comprising: a base part; an operation unit which isto be depressed; a support section provided on the base part, thesupport section supporting a portion around an outer periphery of theoperation unit in a manner that at least a part of the operation unit ismovable toward and away from the base part, by the depressing and isbiased to be away from the base; and a motion-detecting section providedon at least one of the base part and the support section at a positioncorresponding to the portion around the outer periphery of the operationunit, the motion-detecting section detecting the motion of the portionaround the outer periphery of the operation unit toward the base part bythe depressing, wherein the support section has a plurality of springmembers provided at a position corresponding to the portion around theouter periphery of the operation unit, the spring members applying arestoring force by an elastic deformation, the restoring force of thespring members constantly biasing the at least a part of the operationunit to be away from the base part.
 2. The switch device according toclaim 1, wherein the support section has a cushion member which isprovided at the circumferential edge of the operation unit and whichundergoes elastic deformation when at least one part of thecircumferential edge of the operation unit moves toward the base part asthe operation unit is depressed.
 3. The switch device according to claim1, wherein the support section comprises an operation member which isprovided at the base part, which moves toward and from the base partwhen the operation unit is depressed, which has a shape corresponding tothe circumferential edge of the operation unit and supports thecircumferential edge thereof, and a biasing section which biases theoperation member away from the base part, thereby to bias the operationunit away from the base part.
 4. The switch device according to claim 3,wherein a motion-detecting section comprises a membrane switch which isprovided on the base part, which opposes the operation member and whichis closed when the circumferential edge of the operation unit isdepressed, and the operation member has semispherical projections whichoppose at least the membrane switch.
 5. The switch device according toclaim 3, wherein the biasing section has a plurality of spring memberswhich undergo elastic deformation when the circumferential edge of theoperation unit is depressed and which restore shape to bias theoperation member away from the base part.
 6. The switch device accordingto claim 3, wherein the biasing section has a cushion member, whichundergoes elastic deformation when the operation unit moves theoperation member toward the base part.
 7. The switch device according toclaim 4, wherein the support section has an elastic member, which isprovided on the semispherical projections of the operation member, whichopposes at least the membrane switch.
 8. The switch device according toclaim 4, wherein the biasing section has a cushion member which opposesat least the membrane switch and which undergoes elastic deformationwhen the operation unit is depressed to move the operation member towardthe base part.
 9. The switch device according to claim 3, wherein thesupport section comprises a rotation-detecting section for detecting therotation of the operation unit, said support section having a pluralityof rollers which rotate around axes extending in radial direction of theoperation member and which support the operation unit, allowing theoperation unit to rotate in a plane that intersect with the direction inwhich the operation unit is depressed.
 10. The switch device accordingto claim 9, wherein the operation unit has a first gear which isconvexo-concave in the rotating direction, and the rotation-detectingsection comprises a second gear set in mesh with the first gear andconfigured to slide in axial direction and a rotation-detecting sensorconfigured to detect the rotation of the second gear.
 11. The switchdevice according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit comprises a topplate which is to be depressed and a projection which protrudesoutwardly from the top plate in a circumferential direction the topplate is depressed and which is supported by the support section. 12.The switch device according to claim 9, wherein the operation unitcomprises a top plate which is to be depressed and the projection whichprotrudes outwardly from the top plate in the circumferential directionthe top plate is depressed, which has a larger diameter than the topplate and which is supported on the rollers of the support section. 13.The switch device according to claim 12, wherein a projection is shapedlike a flange, and the operation unit has an annular member having across section bulging downward, said annular member being provided onthat surface of the projection, which contact the rollers.
 14. Theswitch device according to claim 9, wherein the support sectioncomprises an annular cover in which the operation unit is inserted tomove in axial direction and not to move in circumferential direction,which is supported on the base part and which is configured to rotate.15. The switch device according to claim 14, wherein the operation unithas an engagement section, and the annular cover has a fastening sectionwhich is configured to position and hold the engagement section in acircumferential direction of the operation unit.
 16. The switch deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the base part comprises a plurality ofrollers which support the annular cover, allowing the same to rotate.17. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a force which biasesthe operation unit away from the base part is substantially equal to aload which the turntable of a record player exerts when depressed.
 18. Adata-processing apparatus comprising: a data-reading section, whichreads data from a recording medium; a data-processing section, whichprocesses the data, read from the recording medium; the switch device ofthe type defined in claim 1; and a process control section which changesmodes in which the data-processing section processes the data, when themotion-detecting section of the switch device detects that the operationunit is moving toward the base part.
 19. A data-processing apparatuscomprising: the data-reading section which reads data from a recordingmedium; the data-processing section, which processes the data, read fromthe recording medium; the switch device of the type defined in claim 9;and a process control section which changes modes in which thedata-processing section processes the data, when the rotation-detectingsection of the switch device detects that the operation unit isrotating.
 20. A playback apparatus comprising: the data-processingapparatus of the type defined in claim 18; and a playback section thatreproduces data processed by the data-processing apparatus.